Advocacy Meetings with Senator King and Representative Golden

• By: Angela Westhoff
• On: 03/23/2023 12:22:31
• In: Legislative/Government Affairs

Representatives from American Health Care Association/ National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) and MHCA staff including Angela Westhoff, President/ CEO and Benjamin Hawkins, Director of Public Affairs recently held a meeting with Senator King's legislative aids to discuss the status of long term care facilities in Maine. We provided an update on the ongoing staffing crisis and challenges with lagging reimbursement.  
 
In addition, MHCA and AHCA/NCAL held a meeting with staffers in Representative Jared Golden's office to discuss CMS' potential minimum staffing proposed rule. Representative Jared Golden and Representative Greg Pence distributed a sign-on letter to other House members. The letter objected to imposing a one-size-fits-all regulatory requirement and urged CMS to work alongside stakeholders to develop innovative solutions to boost recruitment and retention of qualified nursing professionals. The letter was signed by over 30 members of congress and was sent to CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure on March 10th. The final rule is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
 
Staff contact: awesthoff@mehca.org